Receptacle-distributing device



Feb. 23,1926. 1,573,847

E. W. MORTER RECEPTACLE DISTRIBUTING DEVICE Filed Feb. 15; 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 V I 5 Wk 5 2| ll 7 i E W!! 5 5 a $23!!!!5555555555E5I AEEEEEEEEEEt-ZEEEEEE F 5 Z 54m W. MORTER.

Feb. 23 192s. 1,573,847

E. W. MQRTER RECEPTACLE DISTRIBUTING DEVICE Filed Feb. 15, 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ,w' u a I Patented Feb. 23, .1926,

uirEo- STATE EARL W. MORIER, OF \VASHINGTDN COURT HOUSE, OHIO.

RECEPTACLE DISTRIBUTING DEVICE.

Application filed February 15, 1923.

In canning factories and other places where receptacles are filled with commodities the empty receptacles are usually transterred from the warehouse orother source of supply to the filling machines by means of a conveyor, which may be in the form of a track and along which receptacles may move by gravity or along which they may be impelled by suitable feeding devices, such as cables or other positively actuated devices.

ltis frequently desirable to deliver the receptacles from a slngle main conveyor to two filling machines and, to accomplish this,

branch conveyors are led from the main conveyor to the respective filling machines and a Suitable distributing device is interposed between the branch conveyors and the main conveyor. The filling machines frequently operate at a very high rate of speed and the distributing device must be of such a charactor that it will deliver a proper supply of receptacles to each filling machine and it must therefore, operate at a high rate of speed and with great accuracy.

One ob'ect of the invention is to provide a distributing device of this character which will be simple in its construction, positive in its operation and which may be driven at high speed.

A t'urther object of the invention is to pro *ide such a device with improved means for controlling the discharge of receptacles to the respective branch conveyors; and in which the controlling means will be actuated through yieldable mechanism which will permit the driving mechanism to continue its operation without injury to any partof the device in the event the movement of the controlling means is interrupted.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of this kind in which the distributing element can be shifted from one Serial No. 619,169.

position to the other without resistance from the receptacles in the main chute.

A further object of the invention is to provide a driving mechanism which will be simple in its construction and operation and which will effectively operate the mecha-- nism as a whole but will have a yieldable connection with the driven parts to permit of its continued operation in the event the movement of the driven parts is interrupted.

Other objects of the invention will appear as the invention is described in detail.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a device embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same; Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the same; Fig. 4 is a section taken on the line et4l of Fig. 2; and Fig. 5 is a section taken on the line 55 of Fig. 1.

In these drawings I have illustrated one embodiment of my invention but it will be understood that this has been chosen for the purpose of illustration only and that the mechanism may take various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the particular construction here illust'ated I have shown the device as comprising a main frame 1 having at its upper end a main chute 2 and also having two diverging branch chutes 3 and l. The main chute 2 in the present machine consists of a short passageway which is connected at its upper end with the main conveyor, shown at 5 in dotted lines in Fig. The branch chutes are adapted to be connected with tl e branch conveyors, which are not here shown, butwhich may be of any suitable character. These branch chutes may be of any desired construction but they are, in the present in stance, provided in their inner and outer walls with openings through which a cutoff or controlling device may project to control the discharge of the receptacles therefrom. The upper ends of the branch chutes are spaced some distance from the lower end of the main chute and a suitable connecting device is interposed between the branch chutes and the main chute and is movable from one position to another to alternately connect the branch chutes with the main chute. This movable connecting device, or switch, may take various forms but, in the present machine, it comprises side walls 6 pivotally mounted at their lower ends near the upper ends of the outer walls of the rcspective branch chutes and connected one I to the other by cross bars or links '4', with which the side walls 6 are pivotally connected. Arranged between the side wall 6 and substantially parallel therewith is a partition 8 which is pivotally mounted at its lower end near tne upper ends of the inner walls of the branch chutes, as shown 9, and is pi otally connected at its upper end to the links 7, as shown at 10. lhis partition divides the space between the side walls Suitable means are provided for accurately positioning the respective passageways with the main chute and, as here shown, each side wall 6 has an upwardly extending; portion 11 arranged to engage the wall of the main chute and which serves as a stop to checl:

the movement of the connecting device when the adjacent passageway is in line with the main chute.

In order to control theipassag'e ot the receptacles through the branch chutes l have provided a controlling device or cut-oft 12,

having vparts l3 and i l adapted to'exten'd through the openings in the inner walls of the respective branch chutes and to close xthe outlet ends'of these chutes, so to pre vent the passage of the receptacles from the chute." The movement'c-t this .cut-oti or con- ";trolling device is synchronized with the same and the receptacles in the main ch" thereon, and considerable resistance tlu 'moveinent of the connecting device and it support the following receptacle in the main chute and out of the'path ot the partition 10, 'so that the receptacle in the main chute will otter no resistance to the movement of the connecting deice; This is important because if the lower surface of the lowermost receptacle in the main chute projects below the bottom of the chute so that it will lie in the path ofthe upper end of the partition it is necessary for the partition totorce this receptacle backward in order to pass the are subjected to considerable pressure, eit due to the weight of the tollowin receptac es or to the action of the feeding mechanism offered to the movement 01 the connecting device. The controlling device or cut-oiil parts of the mechanism 1 ith but lit may take various forms and may be actuated in various ways but, as here shown, it consists of a curved bar secured near the center thereof to the lower end of an arm 15 which is connected with and may, if desired, form an extension of the partition 8 ot the connecting device, so that the cut-oil is main tained at all times in an exact predetermined position with relation to the connecting de vice. The cut-oi? bar is ot such a length that when in an intermediate position with the partition 8 in a vertical position, both parts cf the cut-oli' will be in inoperative positions and the outlets of both ljn'anch chutes will be unobstructed. Further, both parts, 15 and 1%, of the cut-off bar are provided with abutments 16 which, in the event that one or both of the branch chutes are full of receptacles, will engage one of said receptacles and interrupt the movement of the cut-off and of the connecting device. The mechanism may be operated from any suitable source of power and through suitable driving mechanism but it is desirable that this driving; mechanism shall bev vieldably connected with the driven parts so that the driving meciianism may continue its movement without injury to any part oi the mechanism in the event the movement ot the driven parts is interrupted. due either to the iact that either one or'hoth of the branch chutes are full of recepta s and the cut-off cannot enter the ing; of a receptacle betwcen the par 't 1O 1 the-sidewall ot the main chute, v 'ch happen if; the receptacles moi-lug; eue h the main chute intermitt melt. [is here shown the mechanism isdriven from belt wheel 17 which may be connected with any suitable source of power and u .iiounted on a shatt 18 provided w' with which is connected a driving rod 2-0. This pitman is co. at its other end with a bracket 2i. which rigidly secured to an actuating; rod 22, The aetuating rod 22 is slidably mounted in bearings 28 mountedon the main frame l and slidably mounted between said bearings a bearing 24 pivotally mounted on an aetn ating arm or lever 25 which is pivotally mounted between its ends at- 9 on' the main frame 1 and is pivotally con d at its no per end with the linlzs 7 of the connect device, as shown at 26, and is pivotall con nected at its lower end with the ot the cut-oil, as shown at 27. Springs are coiled about the rod. on the re pective sides of the hearingland are connncd between that hearing and stops or collars 29 rigidly secured th the rod. 1e tension ot the springs 28 is such that they will t1: nut the movement from th rod to the d ing' movemcnt so long; as these parts are 7 to move 1n a normal manner, but the len il any reason, the passage of of the springs is such that, in the event that the movement of the driven parts should be interrupted, the springs will compress sutticiently to permit the driving mechanism to complete its movement w thout injury to any part of the mechanism.

, The operation of the device will be readily understood from the foregoing description of the several parts thereof and it will be apparent that with the connecting device in the position shown in Figs. 2 and the part 14 ot' the cut-otl' will extend across the branch chute 4: and this chute will till witl receptacles. ln-the present instance it wil receive five receptacles, and the uppermost receptacle will support the lower receptacle in the main chute out of the path of the partition 8 of the connecting device. When the movement of the driving rod is versed the connecting device will be to connect the other branch chu; 3, .1 the main chute and at the same time the part 14 ot the cut-off will be withdrawn from the branch chute i to permit the receptacles to be discharged therefrom by gravity an the part 13 of the cut-oil will enter the branch chute 3 before the partition 8 has cleared the lower end of the main chute and conse quently before a receptacle can filter the branch chute 3. The arrangement of the driving mechanism is such that there will be a dwell at the end of each movement of the actuating rod 22, this being due to the passage oi the crank 19 across its central position, and this dwell will be of suttlcient length to permit the branch chute, which is then connected with the man chute, to hill with receptacles before reverse moven t is imparted to the connectine; device. the recept from one of the branch chute? should be 1'? terrupted, as, for example, it" the operation of one oi" the filling machines is temporarilv discontinued, the abutment 16 of the cut-oti will engage one of the receptacles in that chute and will interrupt the movement ot the cut-off and consequently of the connecting device, but the connection between the driving mechanism and the operating lever in) will yield. suthciently to permit t e rod 22 to complete its movement and co sequentlv the passage of the receptacles throi b Other branch chute will continue in th saine Q manner as if the receptacles were being livered from the first mentioned branch chute in a normal manner. Should both branch chutes be full or" receptacles the cutoil will be held in an intermediate position between the two chutes, both springs then yielding alternately to permit the rod 22 to continue its movement. As soon as the delivery of the receptacles from one or both of the branch chutes is resumed the mechanism will begin to operate in a normal man' ner. If the receptacles are feeding along the main CODVQYOI. to the distributing device intermittently there is a possibility that the movement of the connecting device from one position to the other will cause the partition 8 to engage a receptacle just as it 10 ves the main chute and for the receptacle to thus become wedged between the partition and the side wall oi the main chute. it this happens the inoven'ient of the connecting device is, of course, ii'iterrupted but as soon as the movement of the actuating rod his been reversed the ('(Hllldilllfl' device will UL moved in the opposite direction and the vi'cdgcd receptacle released and permitted to enter the branch chute and the normal o 'ieration of the distributing device will be again resumed.

ll hile I have shown and described one embodiment of my invention I wish it to be understood that i do not desire to be limited to the details thereof as various modifi s tions uriy occur to one skilled in the art.

Having; nor. fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. in a mechanism of the character descril:=d. a main chute, two branch chutes, mzunis to cause said branch chutes to be alternately connected with said main chute, cut-ell pivotallv mounted adjacent to the upper ends of said branch chutes compris ing: a movable member extending downwardlv between said branch chutes, parts carried by said member and arranged to move into the respective branch chutes, through the ir er sides thereof, to control the out-- lets or" said chutes, and means for actuating said movable member in synchronism with the first mentioned means.

2. In a mechanism of the character de scribed. 11 main chute, two branch chutes, means to cause said branch chutes to be alternatel connected with said main chute, a cut-oil pivotally mounted adjacent to the upper ends of said branch chutes comprisin a movable member extending downwardly between said branch chutes, parts carried by said member and arranged to move into the respective branch chutes, through the inner sides thereof, to control the outlets of said chutes, and yield-able means for actuating said movable member in synchrcnism with the first mentioned members.

I In a mechanism of the character described, a main chute, two branch chutes, means to cause said branch chutes to be alelv connected with said main chute, i. le controlling device pivotally supported adjacent to the upper ends of said I.

:ranch chutes and extending; downwardly between said branch chutes for movement toward and. from the same and having parts adapted to enter the respective branch chutes to control the outlets thereof, said device being of such a length that when it is in an intermediate position both of said parts will be in inoperative positions with relation to the respective branch chutes, and means for actuating said device.

4. In a mechanism of the character described, a main chute, two branch chutes,

means to cause said branch chutes to be alternately connected with said main chute, a single controlling device pivotally supportedv edjacent'to the upper ends of said branch chutes for movement toward and from the same and having parts adapted to enter the respective branch chutes to control the outlets thereof, each of said parts having an abutment to engage an article in one otsaid branch chutes and interrupt the movement of said device when said branch chute is full of articles, and yieldable means for actuating said devices. i

5. In mechanism out the character described, a main chute, two branch chutes, a movable connecting device having two passageways arranged to connect the respective branch chutes alternately with said main scribed, .a main chute, two branch chut s movable connecting device l'iaving two ranged between said chute, and means to actuate said connecting device.

6. In a mechanism ofthe character described, a main chute, two branch chutes, a movable connecting device having two passageways communicating with'the respective branch chutes and movable alternately into communication with said main chute,

. and means to actuate said device.

7. Ina mechanism of the character deu 7 a connecting dGVlCQ havmo' two passage ways forming extensions or respective branch chutes and movable alternately into communication with said main chute, and YIZEQEIRS for actua n said device.

m of the character de n ain cnutertwo branch chutes, a

'8. In a mecha scribed, a

V passageways communicating with the respective branch chutes and movable alternately into communication with said main chu said device hav means to prope ly po tion the respective passageways th said main chutegand means for actuating said device.

*9. In a mechanism of the character dcscribed, a main chute, two brancn chutes, a movable connecting device comprising outer walls pivot-ally mounted at their lower ends --near the upper ends of the outer walls of on are todlvide thejrcspective branch chutes, a par out w ll said device into two n tition being pivo iv anon .u s, l mounted near upper ends ofthc i .ner walls of; id branch chutes, means connecting W- partition and said walls one with the other, and means for moving said device to cause 'passageiwiys to move alternately into communication withsaid main chute.

branch chute, means to actuate "a tor caus.

10. In a mechanism of the character describe-l, a main chute, two branch chutes, a movable connecting device comprising outer walls oivotally mounted at their lowerends near the upper ends otthe outer walls of the respective branch chutes, a partition arranged between said outer walls to divide said device into two passageways, said partition being pivotall mounted near the upper ends of the inner walls of said branch chutes, means for connecting said partition and id walls one with the other, means for moving said device to cause said passage communicaa part conways to move alt nately into 'll-Oll with said main chute. and

nected'with each of said sidewalls to limit the movement of the same toward said main chute.

branch chutewhichis connected with said main chute.

13'. in a'mcchanism oi"; the character dea main chute, two branch chutes, a

scribed, a main chute, two'ln'anch chutes,

sag

bleconnecting device having two pas arranged to connect the respective chutes alternately with id cc mechanism ha ectmg c eing parts vice, centre-n.

adaptedmto enter the respective branch chutes to'close the outlets thereof, and means said parts to enter the respective chutes when said chutes are connected with the main chute. 7

1a. In a mechanism of the characterde cribed, a main chute, two branch chutes, movable connecting device having two paseways arranged to connect the chute, means to actuate said connecting device, a controlling device having parts movable into and out of the resiective branch ch tee, and means for actuating said de? vice in timedrelation to the movement of said connecting device.

15. In a mechanism of the character described, a ma chute, two branch chutes, a movable connecting device having two passageways communicating withthe respective branch chutes and movable alternately 7 rcs 'acctive' branch chutes alternately with said main said main into communication with the main chute, means for actuating said device, and parts connected with said connecting device and movable into the respective branch chutes to control the outlets thereof.

16. In a mechanism of the character described, a main chute, two branch chutes, a connecting device comprising a partition dividing the same into two passageways which communicate with the respective branch chutes, means for actuating said connecting device to move said passageways alternately into communication with said main chute, and a cut-oil connected with said partition and having parts adapted to enter the respective branch chutes to control he outlets thereof.

1'7. In a mechanism of the character described, a main chute, two branch chutes, a connecting device comprising a partition dividing the same into two passageways which communicate with the respective branch chutes, means for actuating said COIlYlQGtlDg device to move said passageways alternately into communication with. said main chute, a cut-oft connected with said partition and having parts adapted to enter the respective branch chutes to control the outlets thereof, each part of said cut-oft having an abutment at its outer end.

18. In a mechanism of the character de scribed, a main chute, two branch chutes, a movable connecting device having two passageways arranged to connect the respective branch chutes alternately with said main chute, an actuating mechanism for said connecting device, said actuating mechanism being arranged to provide a dwell at the end of each movement of said com'iecting device.

19. In a mechanism of the character described, a main chute, two branch chutes, a movable connecting device having two passageways arranged to connect the respective branch chutes alternately with said main chute, a cutoff having parts adapted to enter the respective branch chutes, an actuating rod connected with both said connecting device and said cut-oh, and means for imparting movement to said actuating rod.

20. In a mechanism of the character described, a main chute, two branch chutes, a movable connecting device having two passageways arranged to connect the respective branch chutes alternately with said main chute, a cut-off having parts adapted with said cut-oii a bearinc' carried b said 7 i) lever, an actuating rod slidably mounted in said bearing, stops secured to said rod on opposite sides of said bearing, springs conlined between the said bearingand the rcspective stops, and means for imparting reciprocatory movement to said actuating rod.

In a mechanism of the character described, a, main chute, two branch chutes, a movable connectingdevice having two passageways arranged to connect the respective branch chutes alternately with said main chute, a catch having parts adapted to enter the respective branch chutes to con trol the outlets thereof, a lever operatively connected with said connecting device and with said cutoff, a bearing carried by said lever, an actuating rod slidably mounted in said bearing, stops secured to said rod on opposite sides of said bearing, springs confined between the said bearing and the respective stops, at driving shait hating a crank, and a pitman connecting said crank with said actuating rod.

23. In a mechanism of the character described, a main chute, two branch chutes, a connecting device comprising a part dividing the same into two passageways, means for actuating said device to move said passageways alternately into communication with said main chute, means synchronized with said connecting device to close the out lets of said branch chutes, said means being so arranged that when a predetermined number of receptacles have entered one of said branch chutes the lowermost receptacle of the main chute will be supported out of the path of said part of said connecting device.

ture hereto.

EARL IV. MORTER 

